Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i9-9900K
65.2Single-core40.4
50.8Multi-core41.2
52.1Gamingspec-based47.4
13 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K3 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 42.5, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+25) and multi-core (+10). Intel Core i9-9900K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600K
- Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 40
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 41
- 375% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 2 MB
- 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
- 48% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 18,600
- Lower launch price: $318 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K
- 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
- 24% lower Base TDP: 95 W vs 125 W
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 95 W+24% |
| Max turbo power | 150 W+26% | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10+25% | 8 |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+3% | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 5 GHz+2% |
| L2 cache | 10 MB+375% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB+25% | 16 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 1,720Bottom 42% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 8,800Bottom 45% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809+41%Top 38% | 1,280Bottom 32% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878+36%Top 37% | 12,400Bottom 47% |
| PassMark | 27,501+48%Top 47% | 18,600Bottom 32% |
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